UPS files patent to accept Bitcoin for lockers

UPS is eyeing a system of locker banks that can take digital forms of payment, according to an application released by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) on Thursday. In addition to traditional payment systems, the patent filing lists Bitcoin as a possible currency to pay with.

The filing outlines different methods by renters can pay for the locker, specifically stating:

“In example embodiments, the locker bank may include a point-of-sale (POS) system for accepting payment from users in the form of: … Bitcoin; and/or (5) any other suitable type of payment.”

In 2017, more than 20 patent filings released by the USPTO mentioned Bitcoin as a possible payment system. While the number dropped slightly from 2016, more than 50 patent filings released by the agency in the last two years reflect this line of thinking.